Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Mauritius for two days, starting March 11, 2025, to enhance bilateral relations by signing agreements on maritime security, financial crime prevention, and civil service training. This visit coincides with Mauritius’ National Day celebrations and aims to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, reinforcing India’s role as a key maritime partner in the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day State visit to Mauritius, commencing on March 11, 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Modi regards Mauritius as a significant maritime ally in the Indian Ocean and aims to strengthen bilateral relations through various agreements. This visit marks his second attendance at the island nation’s National Day celebrations.
In his remarks, Modi emphasized Mauritius’ strategic position and historical ties with India, highlighting their shared values of democracy and cultural connections. He noted the advancements in their partnership over the past decade, citing historical cooperation as a source of mutual pride. The visit will include the presence of Indian naval forces, illustrating India’s commitment to strengthening maritime collaboration.
Officials indicate that the agenda encompasses cooperation in development, maritime security, health, and trade connectivity. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri mentioned that Modi’s visit is timely, coinciding with the early term of the new government under Prime Minister Ramgoolam, indicating an inclination towards positive engagement between the leaderships of both nations.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will pay tribute at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden and hold discussions with President Dharambeer Gokhool. Bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Ramgoolam will focus on significant projects aided by India, including the signing of various memorandums of understanding (MOUs) in areas such as capacity building, trade, financial crime prevention, and support for small and medium enterprises.
Among the anticipated agreements is a technical arrangement aimed at enhancing maritime security and cooperation in real-time data sharing between the Indian Navy and Mauritian authorities. This consensus will bolster Mauritius’ maritime domain awareness and contribute towards combating illegal activities in the region. Additionally, an MOU between INCOIS and Mauritian officials will foster advancements in ocean research and information management.
On addressing financial crimes, a proposed MOU between India’s Enforcement Directorate and Mauritius’ Financial Crimes Commission is designed to facilitate intelligence sharing and provide frameworks for anti-corruption and anti-money laundering initiatives. Furthermore, an agreement for training 500 Mauritian civil servants focuses on enhancing their governance capabilities, emphasizing senior leadership and technical training over five years at India’s National Center for Good Governance.
In summary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming State visit to Mauritius is poised to reinforce diplomatic ties through key agreements on maritime security, financial crimes, and civil servant training. The engagements reflect a commitment to fostering regional cooperation, enhancing maritime awareness, and supporting local governance. With shared historical and cultural connections, this visit aims to set a constructive agenda for future bilateral relations, reflecting mutual interests in development and security in the Indian Ocean.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
